Role of Flavonoids in Management of Inflammatory Disorders

Abstract Flavonoids are a wide category of polyphenolic compounds that have a major role in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, gastritis, nephritis, hepatitis, ulcerative colitis, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and many allergic reactions. This chapter contains information about different flavonoids reported for the management of inflammatory disorders with their possible mechanism. These compounds also regulate the oxidative status and prevent damage caused by oxidative stress such as the antioxidant effect. The high levels of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6, are allied with chronic inflammatory diseases. Some flavonoids, namely luteolin, quercetin, and apigenin, reduce cytokine expression and their secretion. It suggests that these flavonoids may have a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases as cytokine modulators. Flavonoids also have wide pharmacological effects by inhibiting some enzymes such as cyclooxygenase, aldose reductase, xanthenes oxidase, Ca 2 + ATPase, phosphodiesterase, and lipoxygenase. In conclusion, flavonoids can produce health benefits in a variety of ways. This compilation work could be helpful to update current knowledge about different flavonoids and their effects, even at a molecular level, on inflammation and inflammatory-mediated diseases.